The money that was received from friends in memory of my Dad was donated to the Heart Foundation and the Lingen Davies Cancer Relief Fund. The latter showed their appreciation by sending my Mum a certificate that entitled her to a memorial rose from a specialist rose centre near to the hospital. As today would have been my Dad’s 80th birthday it was an ideal day to go and choose the rose.
I had been to the rose centre a number of years ago so I knew roughly where it was. I programmed the postcode into the SatNav to get the exact location and away we went. On arriving at the village next to the rose centre, the SatNav had other ideas and turned us off down some very narrow (one car width) but very pretty country lanes! The rose centre was nowhere to be seen and the SatNav went very quiet so I can only think the post code covered a very large area. Despite the lack of electronic assistance I managed to get back on the main road and navigate my way to the centre. After all that adventure the first port of call was the teashop for that much needed refreshment.
After much deliberation we finally settled on a suitable rose called ‘Remember Me‘. The decision was made easier because certain colours were ruled out by default. The rose will be planted behind the conservatory, to be enjoyed in the summer months whatever the weather.
I felt that my own patio was in need of a little addition and took advantage of the opportunity. I settled on Strawberries and Cream, although I had to go back to the drawing board with my choice of pot because the original was deemed too small.
Later in the day when we were leaving Mum’s house ready for an evening meal at Cherie’s Place I heard what I thought was a door shutting upstairs. When I went to investigate I found that the door to my Dad’s office had blown to… Which has just reminded me that my mobile phone is playing up in a very unusual way today as well…
So now I am raising my glass to say cheers, the bar in the top photo is well stocked with my Dad’s favourite tipple 
Yes, Cherie and so it should be.
I have to own up to sampling one of them myself when I was there
Strawberries and cream. I declare. That’s beautiful, Cherie. And what a story about your dad’s office door. He was saying Thank You, I’m sure.
I fell in love with the colouring of the rose, as soon as I saw it
Thanks for this lovely story.
Glad you liked it
We are approachng the anniversary of my Dad’s death Cherie – August 13th. I have a rose in memory of him and it is a lovely reminder. I love to smell the lovely perfume and see it’s wonderful blooms – it will be nice for you to have the same memories of your Dad I am sure. ((((HUGS))))
I remember you posting about your rose. I am very fond of roses although this is the only one I have in the garden.
that is one spectacular rose (wonder what my grandfather would have said about that? his were all blood red)
any Antiquary on the shelf there? that was my dad’s favourite
I remember at one stage my Dad tended a lovely rose garden at the front of the house, it always turned peoples heads as they walked past.
I can’t see any Antiquary on the shelf. I don’t think my Dad had a favourite, he enjoyed trying different ones
Raising my glass with yours, Cherry Pie. In honour of a great man, your Dad, and his exceptional family: roses and his people. To all of you, with his favourite tipple!xx
Thank you Claudia that is so very sweet of you
xx
A wonderful story and a wonderful rose Cherie
I am glad you enjoyed them both
A vibrant and wonderful memorial for a man who enjoyed roses so much. A delightfully touching post Cherie. May I raise a glass as well…
Thank you, you are more than welcome to share a glass with us
A beautiful way to remember you dad
and what a beautiful rose it is too x
Thank Sally
What a great way to remember your dad – both with the beautiful rose and the new memories. He is there watching over you. I think a rose is a great memorial plant. We have tried a tree that bloomed around the anniversary also but I think I’d like a rose better.
Thanks Marta
I still feel him around quite often 
What a lovely story and beautiful rose. I’m sure both of them will be beautiful bloomers for years to come. Although I never met him your dad’s birthday is the same as my husband’s father, so it was a special day.
Both of them got planted up properly today my Mum’s in her garden and mine in it’s pot on the patio.
Wow! that is a co-incidence about the two birthdays. I agree it is a very special day xx
Beautiful story. I absolutely LOVE this rose and must see if I can buy one in Canada for my patio for next summer. Thank you for introducing it to me.
It usually flowers several times throughout the summer